Michigan — After Sabbath School, as I was leaving my greeter’s post, in walked an anxious-looking lady. I asked how I could help and she began telling me about calling all the homeless shelters, only to find them full. She needed a place to stay. I asked her to sit in the church service while I sought counsel from the leaders. Later, she came out of the service and told me her relatives in Indiana could help her if she could get a bus ticket to Indianapolis. The head elder gave her money for a bus ticket.

When the service was over, other members joined me in providing for our visitor’s needs. I took her to the bus station, and another person gave her money for food. She purchased a ticket to Indianapolis by way of Detroit. The bus wouldn't leave until 6:00 p.m. that evening. It was now 2:00 p.m. What shall I do now? I was confused and hungry.

My new friend asked me to drive her several blocks to pick up her belongings. When we arrived at a senior citizens' complex, I was introduced to her cousin, Marie Rhymer. Once inside, we began a lively conversation which included some Bible questions about what happens when a person dies. I asked if they would like to know what the Bible teaches about death, and they answered, "Yes." Since I had completed a Bible marking class, I knew I could find the answers. When we finished the study, they thanked me. I was grateful for God’s blessings on my very first Bible study.

When it was time to leave for the bus station, the three of us stood at Marie’s door. My new friend turned to me and said, "Marie believes the seventh-day Sabbath." When this was confirmed, I asked Marie if she would study the Bible with me each week. She agreed, and I was thrilled. We studied together over a year, through good and bad experiences. At times I felt like it was useless to continue. I was driving twenty miles to her home, and sometimes it seemed the Bible studies were not changing her life. During those times God and I talked in prayer. I learned to be more loving and patient, and to surrender my plans to God's wise ways.

Today, I praise the Lord that Marie finally made her decision to be a Seventh-day Adventist. She was baptized in the First Flint (Michigan) Church on February 7, 2004. She testified she had been praying for God to lead her into the true church and told how she had prayed that prayer on the very first Sabbath we met.

Although her cousin still travels the highways, Marie loves the Lord Jesus and is anxious for His soon return. Marie has no doubt in her mind that ours was a meeting God had prearranged.

Darlene Bessey, as told to Bruce Babienco, Lake Union Herald volunteer correspondent